Chico and Oroville libraries hosting lunch and a little more Wednesday

CHICO &GT;&GT; You can hear it as you arrive Wednesday at the shaded area outside the Chico library — lovely, classical music featuring string instruments. Then you see three young children, playing from sheet music on stands, and it seems a little unbelievable.

The Brashears children — Dustin Jr., 7; Staria, 6 and Valery, 5 — are playing classical music on two violins and a cello. They are members of Chico Youth Orchestra, and their performance was part of the summer program, Lunchtime @ the Library.

Dustin is a serious violinist. With her cello, Staria brings a dramatic flair to the trio and Valery, who has been playing since she was a 2, performs an amazing violin solo.

Their father, Dustin Brashears, is president of the Music Teachers' Association of California, Butte Branch and director of the Chico Summer Music Academy.

The Brashears children, along with other musically-inclined youth, will perform in several venues this summer, including July 7 at Bidwell Presbyterian Church.

Lunchtime @ the Library is a new program started by Oliver Allen, senior library assistant. "I was reading about a project in New York City, a vision to utilize outdoor spaces. The idea is to do fun things outside. I like the idea and I decided this summer, we'd try this as an experiment. We were trying to design something for families, something fun outside. I looked at this grassy, shady area, and thought we should try and use it," said Allen.

In July, Lunchtime @ the Library is happening Wednesdays at Chico and Oroville branches. This week at Chico Library, Mayhem Grilled Cheese brought a food truck so people could purchase lunch. A bounce house entertained younger kids and booths were set up for families to find out about the library, Museum of Northern California (monca), Boys and Girls Club, 211 website, Chico Art Center, music opportunities for children, and more.

Remaining Lunchtime @ the Library events are:

July 9, Oroville — Food for sale from Mayhem grilled cheese truck, music by Strung Nugget Band, public information, free crafts, free bounce house and snowcones for children.

July 16, Chico — Food by Truckaroni, program by Music Teachers Association;